Liverpool FC International Academy-DSK Shivajians were done in by
Sporting Clube de Goa 2-3 and crashed out of the
Bandodkar Gold Cup at the
Duler Football Ground in Goa on Saturday.
Needing a draw to qualify for the last four,
LFC-DSK Academy blew their chances in a forgettable second half.
LFC-DSK Academy had
Jese Ralte (40th minute) and
Rohit Kumar (58th) score, but a brace by
Harshad Naik (45th & 70th) and
Ndidi Chukwuma (68th) cancelled their effort.
The loss meant that LFC-DSK Academy (3 points) finished third in Group B, behind Sporting Clube (6 points) for the lone spot up for grabs.
Dempo SC had earlier qualified from the group, according to a press release.
For this crucial do-or-die encounter, LFC-DSK Academy made two changes; Prasanth K. and Nikhil Mali replacing Lalhruatpuia and Biaklian Ralte.
The early exchanges were equal as Prasanth made in-roads into the half at will but did not find a finisher to his crosses. However, in the 18th minute, LFC-DSK Academy made their first attempt on target when Prasanth's tireless efforts were greeted by Nikhil's header but straight to the keeper.
Five minutes short of half-time, Jesse helped LFC-DSK Academy draw first blood. Nikhil's brilliant through ball put Jesse in the clear and what followed was a well-directed right-footer past the 'keeper.
Sporting Clube levelled at the stroke of half-time. Harshad Naik's stinging edge of the box effort found the net after Jesmon made a purposeful run on the right.